324 PRUNING THE CHERRY, 



from the fulcrum or base, is often so great as 

 severely to strain, if not to break, the branch. This 

 argument is easily overthrown on two grounds, and 

 it therefore resolves itself into a mere matter of 

 taste. 1. Each limb should not possess more than 

 from twelve to eighteen pears. 2. If the branches 

 should by neglect or bad judgment be allowed to 

 produce more, the elasticity of so long a branch is 

 so great that the end of the limb could almost 

 touch the earth with its weight of fruit without 

 injury. The standard is, however, more natural, 

 simple, and more beautiful. 



There are some positions where an espalier, or 

 wall tree, may be grown where a standard could not, 

 and it is therefore proper that we enter more large- 

 ly into those plans which are most practised in 

 those countries where they are favorites. 



Mr. Loudon, in his valuable Encyclopedia, pub- 

 lishes the following forms, which are used in England 

 for small trees (see page 325). 



The Cherry. This fruit is so uncertain a crop 

 when left to itself, and yet so delicious, that it is 

 well to devise some method of pruning which shall, 

 if possible, remove the obstacles to its culture. It 

 is of very vigorous habit, even upon poor soils, and' 

 in northern climates does not always ripen its wood 

 sufficiently to escape unscathed the vicissitudes of 

 the winter. While the tree is forming, the young 



